Lead Engineer- Steering Column and Mechanical Gear (Passenger Car)

What awaits you/ Job Profile 

• You will contribute to concept development, CAD engineering, packaging, integration, validation, and industrialization of steering systems across global vehicle platforms.
• Develop and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and release documentation for steering column systems and steering gear components.
• Support vehicle package studies, steering architecture definition, design optimization, prototype builds, vehicle validation, and production implementation.
• Collaborate with Steering Systems, Vehicle Dynamics, Safety, Body, Suspension, Brakes, Manufacturing, Testing, Purchasing, and Supplier Engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with steering performance, safety, durability, NVH, weight, cost, and manufacturing requirements throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support engineering change management and issue-resolution activities from concept through series production.

What should you bring along

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 8-12 years of experience in automotive steering system design and development.
• Strong knowledge of passenger vehicle steering systems, vehicle dynamics, and chassis integration.
• Experience working with OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers in steering product development.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in English, additional German language skills are an advantage.

Must have technical skill 

• Define steering system requirements, architecture, and subsystem specifications.
• Experience in steering gear, steering column, intermediate shaft, tie rods, steering knuckles, and associated mounting systems.
• Lead steering system packaging, kinematic analysis, and vehicle integration activities.
• Support steering performance targets related to steering effort, response, feedback, on-center feel, and handling characteristics.
• Ensure compliance with vehicle safety, regulatory, and functional requirements.
• Lead concept generation, feasibility studies, design trade-off analysis, and optimization activities.
• Develop detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Support prototype development, engineering builds, and production implementation.
• Develop and integrate EPS systems, including motors, torque sensors, control units, and steering actuators.
• Support steering control strategy development and system calibration activities.
• Collaborate with software, controls, and functional safety teams.
• Support diagnostics, fault management, and system validation activities.
• Review supplier designs, technical documentation, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Drive cost optimization, value engineering, and supplier technical reviews.
• Coordinate with CAE, Vehicle Dynamics, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, Testing, and Program Management teams.
• Ensure alignment of steering system development with vehicle performance, timing, cost, and quality targets.
• Knowledge of steering wheel interfaces, driver package requirements, and ergonomic considerations.
• Experience with steering column adjustment mechanisms and locking systems.
• Understanding of steering column collapse strategies and crash energy management requirements.
• Support steering tuning and vehicle dynamics development activities.
• Experience in steering package development with suspension, brakes, wheels, and tires.

Good to have Technical skills

• CATIA V5/V6 Part Design, Assembly Design, GSD, and Drafting.
• Teamcenter, ENOVIA, or equivalent PLM systems.
• GD&T and Tolerance Stack-up Analysis.
• Steering System Kinematics and Compliance Analysis.
• DFMEA, DVP methodologies.
• Knowledge of Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems and steering control strategies.
• Experience with Steering CAE and Multibody Simulation tools.
• Functional Safety (ISO 26262) awareness.
• Knowledge of Steering Cybersecurity requirements.
• Root Cause Analysis, 8D, Six Sigma, and Problem-Solving tools.
• Experience in EV and Hybrid Vehicle steering system development.
• Knowledge of Autonomous Driving steering system interfaces.
• Supplier Management and Technical Coordination.
• Cost Optimization and Lightweight Design.
• Experience in global vehicle development programs.